Hudson Williams’ makeup artist asks fans to ‘be kind’ after Met Gala backlash

Hudson Williams‘ makeup artist Aika Danica Flores has asked fans to “be kind” after some online backlash to the look she created for the Heated Rivalry star at his first Met Gala.

Williams walked the famous cream steps in custom Balenciaga, with his grungy makeup inspired by the movie Black Swan. It featured shimmering blue on one eye, with sparkling red on the other, while both featured smudged winged liner.

Speaking to Vogue at the event, Williams said: “The makeup was inspired by Black Swan because me and my groomer Aika love that movie. We wanted to reference cinema and kind of wanted to do the white swan becoming the black swan a little bit … Aika killed it.”

On Instagram, Flores shared shots of the look, saying: “Inspiration – A study in transformation: where innocence fractures and grace darkens, the white swan shedding softness to emerge as something sharper, untouchable, and entirely reborn.”

And while there was plenty of love for the look, others took jabs in the comments section.

One said: “He was so happy to look a mess.” Another went in, saying: “This makeup is horrendous. The wings are not the same shape… the fallout of blue underneath the eye and just overall messy application is honestly shocking.” Someone else said: “Whoever did his makeup must hate him.”

‘It costs nothing to be kind’

In response, Flores shared a message on Threads, defending the look.

She wrote: “Met Gala was chaos and a career highlight. High pressure, high stakes. As an artist, I receive all feedback, positive and negative, with grace and gratitude; it’s all part of growth.

“Taking a risk always comes at a cost and I stand by that. There’s always room to evolve, no matter where I am in my career.

“But while everyone is entitled to an opinion, it’s important to remember there’s a human with feelings behind the work, building something with purpose, vision and heart. It costs nothing to be kind.”

She finished: “Please be kind to each other. *logging off*.”

Fans flocked to show her support, with some pointing out people have been inspired to recreate the look. “You created something beautiful, and your influence is honestly on another level,” they said.

Another said: “As a fellow hair and makeup artist, risk is the name of the game. And that look was *chef’s kiss* If people only knew how we quietly panic. I’ve already got three teenage boys booked for his hair. People really need to learn how to be kind, like you said, it costs nothing. Thank you for your art!”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.